I monetized selling baked pies for extra income back when my sons were little. I wouldn't do that today though. People will find any reason to sue you now.
A friend of mine and ex boss invented a few things. One he manufactured on his farm and sold the medicine cow boots through vets. Someone he offered a sales position to, stole and then replaced the molds and forms to make them himself. These were not a patentable item and boss could not prove the theft but knew it had happened. He has since started a business manufacturing a tournament game that is doing rather well but only family members are involved. It seems even family can have grumblings from within.
Mary I'm sure your more of an inventor than you realize, most farmers and rural people like you are. I missed you.
Has anyone tried generating power from something not commercially made? I have a creek that I thought of setting up a generator on but it either flows like a tsunami of a trickle. When I have to put up electric fence wire, I have to sink a positive and negative rod and keep the ground somewhat damp during the summer. It keeps itself damp, spring and fall. I have always used a solar fencer for this. I know most of 'free power generators' on you tube are scams but I have seen a couple that I wish weren't.